
According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses," the validity period of the study driving certificate after passing Subject 1 is three years, but the expiration date must not exceed the upper age limit for application. Applicants must complete Subject 2 and Subject 3 exams within the validity period. If the exams are not completed within the validity period, the passed subject results will be invalidated. Subject 1, also known as the theoretical exam or driver's theory test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. The exam content includes driving theory basics, road safety laws and regulations, local regulations, and related knowledge. The exam format is computer-based with a time limit of 45 minutes. Subject 1 consists of 100 single-choice and true/false questions, each worth 1 point. If 11 questions are answered incorrectly, the system will automatically submit the exam and end the test. Subject 1 exam content: Regulations on driver's licenses and motor vehicle management; Road traffic conditions and regulations; Road traffic safety violations and penalties; Road traffic accident handling regulations; Basic knowledge of motor vehicles; Local regulations; Knowledge of braking systems and safety devices for large and medium-sized passenger and freight vehicles; Special knowledge for wheeled self-propelled machinery, trams, and trolleybuses. Subject 1 exam notes: Candidates should dress appropriately—no slippers allowed. Electronic devices and bags are prohibited in the exam room. Bring your ID card and queue to enter the waiting hall. Observe the precautions and procedures on the large screen before entering the exam room and store personal items in lockers. Upon entering, verify your identity at the assigned seat and begin the exam. Ensure the camera is aligned with you and follow exam discipline. If you fail the first attempt, a retake is available the same day. If you fail again, you must pay to reschedule. After the exam, queue to collect and sign your score report. Unsigned reports are invalid. There is no limit to the number of Subject 1 exam retakes. Each subject exam allows one retake if failed. If the retake is not taken or is failed, the exam process ends, and the applicant must reschedule. In contrast, Subject 2 and Subject 3 only allow five exam attempts. If the Subject 3 safe and civilized driving knowledge exam is failed, the passed road driving skills exam results remain valid. The driver's license test consists of three subjects: Subject 1, Subject 2, and Subject 3. Subject 1 refers to the road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge exam. Subject 2 refers to the field driving skills exam. Subject 3 is divided into two parts: road driving skills and safe and civilized driving knowledge. The safe and civilized driving knowledge exam is conducted after Subject 3, so it is commonly referred to as Subject 4. However, the official term (as per Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123) does not include "Subject 4."

When I first started learning to drive, after passing the written test (Subject 1), my instructor told me the score was valid for three years. That means the countdown starts from passing Subject 1, and you must complete the road test and other subjects within three years, otherwise you'll have to retake the written exam. I was so excited back then that I thought I had plenty of time and delayed my driving lessons for half a year. As a result, I almost missed the deadline—fortunately, I managed to complete everything just in time. This rule makes perfect sense, as it ensures driving knowledge stays fresh and road safety isn't taken lightly. Now, I always remind my friends who are learning to drive not to repeat my mistake. It's best to plan your practice schedule early and aim to complete all tests within a year to avoid wasting time and money. Getting a driver's license isn't easy, so seizing the opportunity and finishing it in one go is the way to go.

As an experienced driver, I remember the validity period for the written test (Subject 1) when getting a driver's license was three years. This setting is very scientific, preventing theoretical knowledge from getting rusty and affecting driving safety. Some people relax after passing the theory test and delay preparing for the road test until the third year, making them prone to mistakes in a rush. I've seen friends retake the test after expiration, which is time-consuming and laborious. Experience tells me that once Subject 1 is passed, you should strike while the iron is hot, arrange time for concentrated practice immediately, and not let trivial matters interfere. A solid driving foundation is essential to ensure the safety of yourself and others. I suggest that beginners make a compact plan and aim to complete all subjects within one year—efficient and hassle-free.

My child is going to take the driving test this year, and I've carefully reminded them: the written test score is only valid for three years, so they must complete the road test and skills test within three years after passing it. If they exceed the time limit, they'll have to retake the theoretical exam. This is a rare opportunity, so I encourage my child not to get distracted and to book practice sessions early to master key skills like parking and reversing. Safe driving starts with theory, and as a parent, I'm particularly concerned about this. I hope they get their license smoothly without regrets from procrastination. More supervision during the learning process and helping them manage their time will double the effectiveness.


